Saturday, October 9, 2010

The U.S. vs. John Lennon. This is quite a remarkable and stirring documentary, with historical footage and interviews of people who were there when it happened; in that turbulent time period in American history when in the nation's capitol, thuggery had replaced leadership, and deceit had replaced the truth. Ultimately justice prevailed, and as history will show at a casual glance, most of the crimminals went to jail. The botched Watergate Break-In, and subsequent investigation by two crack Washington Post Reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, combined with the sudden demise of J. Edgar Hoover (who along with his partner Clyde Tolson, had a closetful of secrets) and all hell broke loose. (See the film, 'All The President's Men' www.amazon.com/All-Presidents-Men-Dustin-Hoffman/dp/6304696493 and read the book, 'Official and Confidential: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover', by British Investigative Journalist Anthony Summers www.amazon.com/Official-Confidential-Secret-Edgar-Hoover/dp/0399138005 , to put all of this into perspective.) Lennon's part in this, was that he (along with a long list of other musicians, artists and activists), was a target. {Additionally, you can cross-reference an earlier essay http://observer1984.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html }. This is quite a compelling story, wonderfully, expertly and movingly told. It is a prime example of why we should always remember that "when people do nothing about it, evil thrives". If you're old enough to remember this, or if you're just curious and want to find out what took place and why, this is the film. You'll never forget it.http://www.theusversusjohnlennon.com/

Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon by May Pang (Published by St. Martins Press, New York). This book is a collection of photographs by May Pang (a few taken by John Lennon himself), who was an assistant to John and Yoko. The photographs date from the period when John and Yoko took a breather from each other, and concurrently, Richard Nixon's Fifedom began to slowly disintegrate underneath him. Most of these photographs have never been published before, and are beautiful to see. Especially the deeply moving photos of John spending time with his son Julian. Other photos of John with his cats Major and Minor, May Pang, Paul McCartney, Ringo, Mal Evans, Harry Nilsson and others, are really touching; and the pictures of John clowning around are very funny. You also see how busy John was during this time, recording his own material, and working with other artists (the guy loved being in the Recording Studio, and during this time period made recordings with Ringo, Mick Jagger, Harry Nilsson, Elton John and David Bowie). May Pang has done a warm, joyful, and lovely job on this book.Recommended.And a Very Happy Birthday To You John Lennon.